Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Monthly Business Meeting

Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, Columbia, PA

Sunday, April 6, 2025

President Bob Kuether called the meeting to order at 2:00pm, welcomed attendees and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

MARCH MEETING MINUTES: At the back table for review; these were approved later in the meeting, as presented.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Judy Kuether reported 345 members for 2024-2025 with 4 new members: Alan Hartmann (Branchburg, NJ); Ken Martin (Center Valley); John & Maria Skarbek (Philadelphia); and John Smith (Ft. Washington). Non-Profit organizations are now required to file an annual report. Judy submitted this to the State for 2024 and it was approved. Judy transferred $8,000 from the Country Store Fund to the Restoration Fund.

MEMBERS’ BRIDGE REPORTS:

Joe McCarthy – Joe reported he is starting to repair Landis Mill Bridge next week; there is now reflective tape on the portal end. On April 9^th, Joe will meet with state representatives and Lobar Company at Rudolph and Arthur Bridge to discuss upcoming work. He has wood for the trusses in his shop and is still planning an Open House to see the trusses when built. Pine Grove Bridge was heavily damaged by a tractor trailer that drove the entire length of the bridge and damaged both portals.

Tim McLaughlin – Tim/Connie saw Smith’s Bridge in Delaware and noted the signage that at 11 feet, your truck will not fit! They also drove through Speakman and Harmony Hill Bridges and reported they looked good.

Greg Williams – Greg was not present but sent a report: He visited Utica Mills, Loys Station, Roddy Road, Sach’s and Heike’s Bridges and reported all are in good condition.

OFFICERS’ REPORTS:

President Bob Kuether – Bob is awaiting response from Perry County reps to paint bridges

First Vice-President Jim Smedley – No report.

Second Vice-President Ray Finkelstein – No report.

Third Vice-President Frank Mailey – Not present.

Fourth Vice-President Tony Abramo – Tony shared a Lancaster Newspaper article about the destruction at the Pine Grove Bridge.

Recording Secretary Pam Mailey – On April 28^th, Pam will present a dinner program on Pa’s Covered Bridges at Chapel Point Community Retirement Center in Carlise.

Corresponding Secretary Pam Heisey – Pam thanked all for the cards & prayers during her recent hospitalization and recovery.

Treasurer Judy Kuether – Judy/Bob saw Fort Hunter Bridge and 4 others in Perry County.

Historian Fred Moll – Fred presented on the Rehabilitation of Dreibelbis Bridge at Berks History Center with 52 people present. The next day, there was an article in the Reading Eagle about his Program. Several days later, he was notified by Channel 69 News of the collapse of an abutment wall at Kutz’s Mill Bridge and was interviewed for that news story.

NEWSLETTER EDITORS/PUBLICATIONS: Jim Smedley reported the deadline to submit information for the Summer Edition of PA Crossings Newsletter is Sunday, June 1, 2025. The Wooden Covered Spans will be handed out at the May dinner or mailed by May 4^th.

ILLNESS/DEATH OF MEMBERS: David Smith, 90y.o. Charter Member, is better after hospitalized for pneumonia.

OLD BUSINESS:

Silent Auction – The auction at our March Meeting netted $211 for the restoration fund.

Calendar Contest Update – Jim Smedley thanked everyone who submitted photos and the 7 judges for rating them. Fewer members submitted photos with only a couple new photographers. He had an abundance of fall photos; the quality was good; and we’ll have another excellent calendar. The calendar should be printed in time for the May meeting.

Easter Egg Sales – Pam Mailey gave a big thank you to Gloria Smedley who sold 696 eggs ($348 for TBCBS) at Windy Hill Senior Center, in Spring Grove. Along with sales at our March meeting, Pam gave Judy Kuether $435.50 for this fundraiser.

Sheeder-Hall Bridge Ceremony – Sara Beth Kohut reported the 175^th Anniversary celebration will be Sunday, May 18^th at 2:00pm. Jim Smedley will send out the invitation to this event; plans are ongoing and a postcard will be created for this Bridge.

Hassenplug Bridge – Bob Kuether reported that plans are still underway for the 200^th Anniversary Celebration. Connie McLaughlin designed the T-shirt; orders are due today. A new postcard was handed out to members along with a tri-fold brochure of the 11 bridges celebrating 175 to 200-year anniversaries.

Safari Update – Gloria Smedley reported she and Jim will be driving to WV/VA to run the routes and check on rest stops and lunch venues. The hotels still have rooms available; 40 people are planning to attend to date.

NEW BUSINESS:

Presentation Donation - Christine Weaver and Don Gunzenhauser presented a $300 check to the Society for Jim Smedley’s recent presentation to Lancaster Kellogg Retirees Association.

Hassenplug Bridge Markers – Gloria Smedley reported TBCBSP received the Pomeroy grant check of $2,050 for the National Registry of Historic Places sign. The order was submitted and is in production. Hassenplug did not qualify for a Pomeroy Historic Transportation sign since information could change if the bridge was ever removed or destroyed, making the sign obsolete. However, TBCBSP can purchase a sign from the same vendor, Seway Studies. Gloria proposed a design and wording with cost of $2,330. The Executive Board approved this purchase; motions were made by Tim McLaughlin and Tina Chandler, with unanimous membership vote, to proceed with the purchase.

Theodore Burr Resource Center Donation Request – The Executive Board approved a $1,000 donation in November 2024; Tim McLaughlin and Tina Chandler made motions with unanimous membership approval for this donation.

Kirker Covered Bridge, Ohio – The Executive Board approved a $1,000 donation toward temporary roof covering until grants are obtained to repair damage from a tornado. Ken Slippey and Connie McLaughlin made motions with unanimous membership vote to proceed; the money is to be returned if the temporary roofing is not needed.

See PA Covered Bridge Week – This week is celebrated May 10^th -18^th. Those who volunteered to place displays in PA Welcome Centers picked up handouts, brochures, post cards and the poster for the board. The Governor’s Proclamation is being worked on.

COVERED BRIDGE ITEMS: (1) Pam Mailey showed note cards with drawings of covered bridges by Jim Mackey, a previous West Shore School District art teacher and former resident of Bethany Village. (2) Joe McCarthy shared a newsletter about train stations that included an article about Knox Bridge, showing a picture of the tree in the bridge.

NEXT MEETING: 66^th Anniversary Dinner on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Yoder’s Family Restaurant & Buffet; cost is $23/person.

PROGRAM: “Saving History: The Early Days of Covered Bridge Preservation” by Scott Bomboy.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 3:45pm.

DRAFT Respectfully Submitted by Pam Mailey, Recording Secretary, April xx, 2025.